Yesterday, I took a break from lectures to enjoy brunch with some college students at the “Adopt a Student” reception.
The “Adopt a Student” program at Florida College is an opportunity for donors to provide financial support for a student to attend college and earn their degree. The FC web page says, “When you adopt a student, you are investing in a brighter future.”
The future?
Too often, after listening and watching too much negative news, our thoughts of the future may turn dark, dim, and depressing. However, if you could be here this week, you might change your view of the future when you see these fine young people sharing their faith, serving others, and preparing for a life to make a difference in the world through their vocational choices.
Yesterday, the “Adopt-a-Student became more than just another program, as I put names and faces and smiles behind it as I talked with young people who are pursuing degrees in nursing, business administration, education, and Kinesiology. Others are seeking to become doctors, lawyers, and mechanical engineers. Some of the young men are majoring in Biblical Studies and plan to devote their lives to preaching the gospel.
Before the reception, I attended a lecture where several students had set aside time from their studies to learn more about Living the Gospel from the book of Romans. Their Bibles were open, they were taking notes, and they were listening intently. At the evening lectures, the bleachers are filled with young people singing, listening, and learning. Some, of course, are in the cold directing traffic. Others are welcoming the guests. They are smiling, polite, and a credit to their parents.
Last night, I attended a singing at the Temple Terrace church to participate in their annual “Worship in Song” service. While many older folks were in attendance, the auditorium was filled with small children, teens, and college students who were enthusiastically participating in the worship service.
Three of our four grandchildren were with me last night–Roy, Miles, and Fern. When we got in the car to leave, Roy said, “I really liked the lyrics to that last song.” It was “When We All Get to Heaven.” Immediately, Miles and Fern piped up, sharing their favorite hymns. It did my heart good to hear that conversation. I wiped a tear from my eye as I drove away, and I am doing it again as I write this.
There are classes this week for toddlers, Elementary kids, and prospective students. I see young people hanging out at the Chatlos Library/Starbucks. Or playing ball on the Quad. Or enjoying a peaceful moment on the riverbank around the Payne Amphitheater. They are bright-eyed, well-mannered, and godly young people finding their way in life, learning about themselves and their Lord, developing skills, and chasing their dreams.
However, I don’t have to attend the FC lectures to see wonderful young people who love the Lord and are “Living the Gospel.” I see them in little churches from Florida to California to Canada. Leading singing, giving talks, attending Bible classes, participating in the church’s summer VBS, and going to faith-based camps that extol Biblical values. I’m touched by their kindness, inspired by their devotion to spiritual matters, and encouraged about the future.
You see, this Lecture theme, “Living the Gospel,” is not some theoretical, theological series of lessons that lacks a basis in reality. It is practical. Personal. And possible to pursue. I see it in the lives of these young people. In their attitudes. In their actions. In their values.
Nelson Mandela was right when he opined, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” They are also the hope of tomorrow. They are the preachers, pastors, parents, teachers, and difference-makers in our churches, communities, businesses, and nation.
To paraphrase the late John F. Kennedy, for those who think that young people are the problem. They are wrong. Young people are the solution. Yes, as one sage quipped, “The future has a heartbeat–and it is young.”
Thank God not only for these godly young folks but also for their parents who’ve raised them. For preachers and Bible teachers who have taught them. For professors who seek to further instruct and guide them. And for each of them, as they encourage one another to build on the good foundation that’s already been laid.
May our young people continue to “Remember their Creator in the days of their youth” by “Living the Gospel.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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